The MoU, signed in Mathura, marks a significant step towards restoring Braj’s ecological and spiritual heritage through the Vraj Vaibhav Abhiyan, an ambitious initiative inspired by the vision of Revered Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will work together to conserve Braj’s sacred heritage, rejuvenate its fragile ecosystem, enhance biodiversity, promote environmental awareness, and improve community welfare. They will jointly identify, develop, and implement suitable projects in collaboration with technical experts, implementation agencies, CSR partners, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

A major focus of the initiative will be the restoration of at least ten historic kunds (sacred ponds), including Govind Kund, Gandharv Kund, and Surabhi Kund, through water cleaning and ecological revival. In partnership with ISKCON and the Tata Group, other revered water bodies such as Radha Kund and Milan Kund are also being rejuvenated using bioremediation techniques, sewage treatment systems, and restoration of adjoining ghats.

The project also includes the development of a 7-kilometre eco-friendly Inner Parikrama Path, featuring dedicated lanes for pilgrims walking the sacred route as well as those performing full-body prostration circumambulation.

In another major ecological intervention, nearly 60 hectares around Govardhan Hill will be equipped with an extensive irrigation network and Rain Gun Sprinkler System to support afforestation with indigenous plant species. The initiative will also focus on restoring ancient sacred forests, including the historic Kamail Karhala forests.

To strengthen long-term ecological sustainability, an 8-acre modern nursery is being developed at Sunrakh in Vrindavan to cultivate native plant species and support ongoing afforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Revered Daaji, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Guide of Heartfulness, said Braj has always represented a sacred space where nature and human consciousness exist in harmony.

“When we care for the land with sensitivity and purity of intention, we also uplift the hearts of the people who live there. This collaboration is an opportunity to serve both the outer environment and the inner condition of humanity, so that future generations may inherit not only a preserved heritage, but a living legacy rooted in responsibility and respect for nature,” he said.

Shailja Kant Misra, Vice Chairman of UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, said Braj has guided seekers and communities for centuries and that the partnership with Heartfulness would strengthen efforts to nurture the region as a centre of sacred heritage, inner well-being, and environmental stewardship.

Lakshmi Nagappan, CEO of UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, said the collaboration would help translate shared intent into tangible community-level outcomes that enhance Braj’s environment, public participation, and cultural vitality.

The MoU also provides a framework for future projects to be undertaken through separate funding arrangements, work orders, and project agreements. Both organisations will retain ownership of their respective intellectual property, trademarks, methodologies, and proprietary materials while collaborating on initiatives aimed at restoring the ecological and cultural legacy of Braj.

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Implemented under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, Unit Gangapur, Hardoi, the programme aims to expand access to digital education and bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

As part of the initiative, 90 students, including 40 girls and 50 boys from Kursath and 13 surrounding villages, successfully completed the digital literacy training programme. Launched in October 2025, the programme is designed to equip rural youth and women with essential digital skills that are increasingly required in today’s technology-driven world.

The training is conducted inside the World on Wheels Bus, a solar-powered and internet-enabled mobile digital classroom. Participants receive hands-on training in computer operations, internet usage, email communication, file management, and online safety.

During FY 2025-26, the initiative benefited 280 students, helping them enhance their digital awareness and readiness for education, employment, and daily life in an increasingly digital environment.

The valediction ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Tej Narayan Singh, Unit Head; Maan Singh, Gram Pradhan, Kursath; Vikram Singh, Chairman, Nagar Panchayat Kursath; Raj Bahadur, Principal, V.S. Public Inter College; along with members of the Dalmia Bharat Sugar management and the Dalmia Bharat Foundation team.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO of Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said that access to technology and digital skills has become critical for education, employment, and entrepreneurship in today’s digital-first world. He congratulated the students for successfully completing the training programme and taking an important step towards a brighter future.

He further emphasized Dalmia Bharat’s commitment to ensuring that rural youth and women have access to the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age, adding that the organization remains proud to support young learners in their journey of growth and progress.

The World on Wheels initiative reflects Dalmia Bharat Foundation’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion by bringing technology-enabled learning opportunities directly to underserved communities. By expanding access to digital education and developing future-ready skills, the Foundation continues to empower rural youth and women, creating pathways for greater socio-economic participation and sustainable development.

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At Ramgarh, the new ventures include:

• Five e-rickshaws for beneficiaries from Mahsui, Bargadiya, Bankarampur, Madhiya, and Saraiyan

• Shops and services such as a cosmetics cart in Narveerpur, a fast-food cart in Bartal, a cosmetics shop at Pahla Chauraha in Sarwa, an electric repair shop at Pahla Chauraha in Majlishpur, and an automobile repair shop in Trivedi Nagar

• Essential community services including a barber shop in Mahuakol and four kirana stores in Shankarpur, Saraiyan, Khyokar, and Bhattapurwa

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Aga Asif Beig, Plant Head; Mr. Uma Kant Pathak, Cane Head; Mr. Dinesh Yadav, HR Head; the DBF team, and other senior officers of Ramgarh Chini Mills.

At Jawaharpur, the initiatives comprised three e-rickshaws for beneficiaries from Gazipur, Jawaharpur, and Jihuri villages, along with a cycle repair shop in Fariha. The launch was graced by Mr. Tej Narayan Singh, Plant Head; Mr. Ashish Bansal, Cane Head; Mr. Vivek Kumar, Deputy Manager, HR; the DBF team, and senior officers of Jawaharpur Chini Mills.

Each enterprise has been supported with financial assistance from DBF, along with beneficiary contributions and credit support through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and banks. These ventures are expected to generate an annual income of ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 per beneficiary.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said: “At Dalmia Bharat Foundation, we believe that micro enterprises are a powerful driver of economic growth and self-reliance in rural areas. By supporting these ventures with resources, skills, and access to finance, we are enabling individuals to create sustainable incomes, uplift their families, and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of their communities. This initiative is a step towards building resilient livelihoods and a stronger regional economy.”

This effort underscores Dalmia Bharat Foundation’s commitment to inclusive development, enhancing the quality of life in rural communities, and driving long-term socio-economic impact.

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A towering figure in Indian academia, Prof. Avasthi’s contributions spanned over decades—shaping not just institutions, but also generations of students, scholars, and teachers. She served as an Emeritus Professor under the University Grants Commission (UGC), a council member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and a member of the UGC subject panel on sociology for two terms. She was also part of the executive council of CSJM Kanpur University. A prolific writer and a dedicated mentor, she authored numerous books and guided many doctoral dissertations that enriched the field of sociology.

Yet, beyond the lecture halls and academic corridors, there existed a gentler, lesser-known dimension to her life—that of a gifted doll maker. Her handcrafted dolls, intricate and lifelike, often left admirers spellbound. “They looked as though they would begin to speak,” said one close associate, reflecting the emotional soul she poured into her creations. Her passion for this delicate art was an extension of her empathy, creativity, and deep understanding of human emotion.

Her passing evoked heartfelt condolences from academic and political spheres alike. Academicians, researchers, and former students from across the country paid their respects. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound grief over her demise.

Former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, in a moving tribute, wrote: “Professor Abha Avasthi Ji was like an elder sister. Her demise is a personal loss for me. May her soul rest in peace and may God give strength to the bereaved family. Om Shanti Om.”

Professors—past and present—from the Sociology Department at Lucknow University joined family and well-wishers in paying their last respects at Baikunthdham, where her final rites were performed.

Dr. Abha Avasthi’s departure marks the end of an era. But her influence—like her dolls—will continue to speak, silently yet powerfully, in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.

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The event witnessed the gracious presence of Mr. Ranjan Dastida Raj (General Manager, HPCL), Mr. Debashish Patnaik (General Manager), and Mr. Madhukar Kaitha as chief guests. On behalf of HPCL, they presented sanitation equipment worth approximately ₹1 lakh to the college, significantly enhancing its cleanliness infrastructure.

In recognition of their dedicated service, five fourth-class employees and cleaning staff of the college were felicitated by the HPCL team. Expressing gratitude for their tireless efforts in maintaining the campus, the guests acknowledged their vital role in ensuring a clean learning environment.

Addressing the students, Mr. Ranjan emphasized the importance of tree plantation and environmental conservation. He pointed out that every individual must plant at least 16 to 20 trees in their lifetime, as this is the number required to meet one person’s lifelong oxygen needs.

Mr. Debashish Patnaik, General Manager at HPCL, engaged students in an enlightening session about energy sources, their environmental implications, and the concept of energy transfer, all in simple terms that resonated well with the young audience.

Furthering its commitment to the cause, HPCL announced the donation of two incinerator sanitary units for the college and assured continued support for such social initiatives in the future.

A cleanliness drive was actively carried out by the students from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) units of the college, followed by a tree plantation program. As part of a “Green Feast” initiative, students were given saplings to plant near their homes, reinforcing the message of individual environmental responsibility.

HPCL also distributed hygiene kits and light refreshments to the students, making the event both meaningful and engaging.

The tree plantation ceremony, joined by the HPCL dignitaries and college faculty, marked a fitting conclusion to the event.

Prominent faculty members and staff including Dr. Anamika Singh Rathore, Dr. Shalini Shukla, Dr. Priyanka, Dr. Preeti Sindhi, Dr. Aparna Tandon, Dr. Snehlata, Dr. Bina Yadav, Dr. Sunita Yadav, Dr. Parul Singh, Ashwani Saxena, Kishore, Sunil Sonkar, Anju Singh, Dilaram, Anil Yadav, Manoj Kumar, Roop Bahadur, and Pawan contributed significantly to the successful organization of the event.

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Understanding the critical need for a clean and well-equipped sanitation facility on campus, the college administration had approached Indian Oil’s CSR division with a proposal. Responding to the request, Indian Oil Corporation constructed a modern, sturdy toilet block that was formally handed over to the college during today’s inauguration ceremony. Principal Dr. Anshu Kedia expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Indian Oil for supporting the health and dignity of the students.

The inauguration was graced by several senior officials from Indian Oil, including Shri Rajesh Singh, Executive Director and State Head, Uttar Pradesh State Office; Nitin Vishisht, Deputy General Manager, CSR, Corporate Office; Sunil Kumar Sameer, General Manager, Engineering; Chandra Mani Rai, Chief Manager, Engineering; B.L. Pal, Chief Manager, Human Resources, Uttar Pradesh; and Mohammad Amin, Manager, Engineering, Uttar Pradesh.

As a symbol of environmental commitment, all dignitaries also planted mango saplings on the college premises.

Following the inauguration, a formal ceremony was held in the college hall. The event commenced with the garlanding of Goddess Saraswati’s statue and lighting of ceremonial lamps. Guests were warmly welcomed with shawls and floral bouquets by Principal Dr. Kedia and her team.

Addressing the gathering, Vibhuti R. Pradhan shared nostalgic memories of his student days and encouraged the students to stay grounded, cherish their roots, and respect their teachers. “Do not become a slave of technology—master it and let it serve your growth,” he advised. He also lauded the achievements of girl students in competitive fields and urged them to continue excelling.

Certificates were distributed to students who completed beautician courses under the Skill Development Center and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. In addition, the college’s cleaning staff was recognized and honored for their dedicated services.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Atul Kapoor, General Manager, HR & CSR, Uttar Pradesh. The proceedings were smoothly anchored by Dr. Anamika Singh Rathore.

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